Khamzat Chimaev’s next UFC opponent will become clearer in October when two top middleweights clash in Canada.
‘Borz’ became the new king of the middleweights after he dethroned Dricus Du Plessis in a very dominant performance at UFC 319.
It was a victory that split opinion as a UFC legend blasted fans for not being fans of the high-level grappling of Chimaev.
The new champion was able to outwrestle a strong Du Plessis to win a wide unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards, taking all the rounds.
However, he is now the target of the top 15 middleweights, and his next challenger is now becoming much clearer.
Khamzat Chimaev’s next UFC opponent could be decided in a middleweight firecracker in Canada
As UFC Paris takes place in September with Nassourdine Imavov taking on the UFC 319 backup opponent, Caio Borralho, a second middleweight bout has now been announced for UFC Vancouver in October.
Following two recent middleweight contests, Dana White took to social media to confirm that he was arranging a clash between two top contenders who have proven their worth in the division.
In the video, he revealed the main event would be a five-round middleweight fight on October 18th between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez.
‘The Dutch Knight’ won a razor-close decision against Robert Whittaker in July to take him to number five in the UFC rankings and with the ‘Fluffy’ fight next, he will be closing in on his fourth fight of 2025.
Hernandez called out the UFC 319 winner after his spiteful submission victory over Roman Dolidze and is now looking to extend his eight-fight win streak with a win in Vancouver.
White explained that both middleweight fights will have ‘massive implications’ and they will decide the next challenger to Khamzat, whatever the result.
Reinier de Ridder answers how he believes he can perform against Khamzat Chimaev in a potential UFC title fight
Already, de Ridder has had his sights set on the champion whom he believes he can beat, especially after watching the performance of the South African.
The 34-year-old is a former training partner of DDP and was surprised at how easily he was able to be held by the Chechen.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, the Dutch MMA star explained how he would approach a potential championship fight.
He said: “I think I can do well, in all the positions. If I end up on the bottom, if I end up on top, I believe I have a lot to show in that fight. I think it could be like a grappling fight for the ages. Our styles match up very closely, and I believe it could be like a very awesome fight.
“The main thought in my mind is if he takes me down, great. If I take him down, great. If it’s in a clinch, great. If it’s in the stand-up, it’s great. So, I’m not worried about where it goes at all.
“I can hit him with some good knees. I believe I can take him down. I have some cool s- – – off my back as well.”
His fight against ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez is the perfect litmus test for his future title hopes, as his performance against ‘The Reaper’ left much to be desired.